Rob Helm

Rob Helm

Analyst

As managing vice president, Rob Helm covers Microsoft collaboration and content management. His 25-plus years of experience analyzing Microsoft’s technology and strategy allows him to discern the company’s overall direction from the sometimes confusing and contradictory signals it sends to customers and the industry.

Rob previously managed the Directions on Microsoft analyst team and its database management systems, developer strategy, and embedded platform research. His 13 years of prior experience in the computer industry include research on advanced developer tools, optimization of cluster applications, design of network protocols at the University of Oregon, and design and implementation of databases for the U.S. Navy.

Rob received a B.S. in computer science and mathematics from the University of Puget Sound and an M.S. in computer science from the University of Oregon.

Latest Content by Rob Helm

  Roadmap
Updated: July 25, 2025 · by Multiple Authors
Places Roadmap Microsoft Places is a set of advanced work-scheduling features for Teams and Exchange Online, intended for employees who move frequently...
  Analyst Report
Updated: July 25, 2025 · by Rob Helm
Places Ready for Evaluation, but Future Unclear Microsoft Places is a set of advanced work-scheduling features for Teams and Exchange Online, intended for employees who move frequently...
  Roadmap
Updated: July 21, 2025 · by Rob Helm
Exchange Server Roadmap Roadmap for Exchange Server software, which provides e-mail communication and manages calendars, contacts, tasks, and voicemail.
  Roadmap
July 17, 2025 · by Multiple Authors
Application Platforms Roadmap Describes the components and services available in Azure and on-premises for creating and deploying applications.
  Blog
July 16, 2025 · by Multiple Authors
Exchange, Skype Servers Get Barely Extended Security Updates Just-announced (and unexpected) Extended Security Update programs will give qualifying customers who need more time to migrate to Exchange Server...
  Analyst Report
July 3, 2025 · by Rob Helm
Begin Move to Exchange Server SE to Keep Support  Organizations running Exchange in their own data centers must migrate quickly to Exchange Server SE. 
  Roadmap
Updated: July 3, 2025 · by Rob Helm
Communication Services Roadmap Azure Communication Services is a set of cloud services and APIs for applications using voice and video calling, chat, SMS,...
  Infographic
July 3, 2025 · by Rob Helm
Overview of Azure Communication Services components.
Communication Services Overview Azure Communication Services provides voice, video, chat, and e-mail cloud services for developers to build into applications.
  Analyst Report
June 30, 2025 · by Rob Helm
Viva Packaging for Microsoft 365 Users Chart helps decide on license requirements and purchase choices for the Viva employee experience services.
  Infographic
June 30, 2025 · by Rob Helm
Viva Packaging for Microsoft 365 Users Viva rights in common Microsoft 365 licenses and in Viva premium add-ons, which include Viva Suite, two smaller suites, and...